After their successful work on the first series, University of Westminster students were invited back alongside Dr Mykaell Riley, Director for the University’s Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) and Principal Investigator for Bass Culture Research, to produce the soundtrack for the second season of the BBC Three series Boarders.
The critically acclaimed show created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor has recently returned to BBC Three for a second season and continues to follow the journeys of five talented underprivileged Black students from London who gained scholarships to an elite boarding school.
Westminster Music students also returned to produce the new series’ soundtrack alongside Dr Mykaell Riley, who was the Musical Director for the show, having worked together on the soundtrack for the first season with great success. In particular, Music Production, Performance and Business BA Honours student Joseph Burnett was shortlisted for Best TV Sync in the Music and Sounds Award 2024 for his work on a song from the soundtrack titled Never Be the Same.
Throughout the experience, students got the opportunity to develop the practical skills involved in music production and face the real-life challenges of creating a TV soundtrack. By ensuring students gain demonstrable skills, in addition to credits on their CVs, this collaboration highlights Westminster’s commitment to helping its students embark on their professional careers after leaving university.
About the experience Dr Riley said: “It’s been a joy to return to Boarders for a second season, armed with our talented students. Over the course of several months, we have worked tirelessly to create music that does justice to the Boarders story and the results from the students have really impressed both myself and the production team – their creativity, collaborative spirit and innovation has been off the charts. We’re currently finalising plans for an official Boarders album with a major label, so keep your eyes peeled for that! Above all, we’re thrilled that this collaboration with Studio Lambert will have secured in total 34 IMDB credits for University of Westminster students, kickstarting their creative careers.”
The students' work on the album contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Hear the students’ work in Boarders Series Two on BBC iPlayer. The soundtrack is due to be released on streaming platforms later this month.
Find out more about Music courses at the University of Westminster.
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